Monterey Park : Shake Roof Ban Considered

After a fire that damaged four expensive hillside homes and scorched 15 acres of brush and palm trees, the City Council has decided to consider a ban on wood shake roofs.

The damaged houses on Rodman Circle, west of Atlantic Boulevard, all had wood shake roofs. About 150 firefighters were called to battle the early afternoon blaze on Sept. 14. Fire officials said other homes in the area were spared because they had tile roofs.

Mayor Judy Chu on Monday night asked officials to prepare a draft of the proposed ban for consideration by the council at a later date. Also on Monday, the mayor presented plaques and certificates to police and fire officials who assisted in the fire.